Brewers drinking chemical-free beers always bounce back better in the New Year. It’s good to see more brewing publications coming out in support of sodium hydroxide for cleaning equipment Now one of Australia’s leading authorities has stressed the importance of cleaning.

Laurie Strachan’s second edition of “Homebrewing in Australia” recognises the virtual impossibility of sterilising at home. His recommendation is to clean as much as possible. He recommends dishwasher detergent for all equipment. The active ingredient in this detergent is usually sodium hydroxide. So much for the people who bagged it. The reality is we need to make sure everything is clean, hence the title of this article… Clean Equipment.
I have been criticized for my endorsement of Sodium Hydroxide.

If the American Homebrewers’ Association call sodium hydroxide “the elephant gun of cleaners” I’d believe them and the same for Laurie Strachan. What hope is there for the beginner in the supermarket, if his kit doesn’t have a decent cleaner.

Just think fellow brewers, how many times have we heard a past brewer say “The first batch was good, but the second was a disaster?” These brewers are sometimes lost from our hobby forever. Let’s share the knowledge: “Use a decent cleaner.”

I’d also like to recommend Laurie’s book, “The Complete Guide to Homebrewing in Australia” second edition.
Before I go, this is a recipe that we recently developed at the warehouse. It’s a very easy to make, easy to drink European ale. Use a decent lager or draught brew kit, add a kilo of caramalt extract that has been boiled for 10 minutes in four litres of water, add 20 grams of Saaz hop five minutes before the end of the boil.

Add 10 grams at the end just after you have switched off the heat. Use a good ale yeast (dry) and quality water.

Remember you are not bound to your nearest brew outlet. If you are not happy, go mail order or order online from our website…
www.homebrewerswarehouse.com.au

Cheers… Younga!